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IRS-authorized e-file provider · not the IRS

Nonprofit · EIN 33-1473602

HEADWATERS ACADEMY

Tax-exempt · AURORA, IL 60506

Financials

$134K$101K2025
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of HEADWATERS ACADEMY by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
January 31, 2026990-EZ$134,080$100,528$33,552$33,552–$34,343
Financial details: 990-EZ for the year ended January 31, 2026

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$33,680
Program service revenue
$100,400

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$0
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$30,000
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$80,788
Occupancy
$4,150
Other expenses
$15,590
Program services (functional)
$101,000

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$791
Total assets, end of year
$33,552
Total liabilities, end of year
–
Net assets, end of year
$34,343
Cash, savings and investments
$33,552
Gross receipts
$134,080

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990-EZ for the year ended January 31, 2026, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Kendra HoltonHead of School40$30,000
Dana MerkBoard President20$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
14 N MAY ST, AURORA, IL 60506-3867
Mailing address (990-N for 2024)
42W420 Campton Hills Rd, Elburn IL 60119
Principal officer (990-N for 2024)
Sarah Elliott, 4N019 Country View Lane, Elburn IL 60119
Signed the 990-EZ
Kendra Holton, Board Treasurer
Phone
(815) 206-8508

Mission

Headwaters is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing community-centered, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning opportunities for elementary and middle school students. The organization operates a microschool program that integrates project-based learning, environmental education, and standards-aligned instruction. Through hands-on activities such as garden-based learning and community food production, students develop academic, social, and civic skills. Headwaters serves students and families seeking meaningful, real-world education while contributing to the broader community through service and partnerships focused on sustainability and food access.

990-EZ for the year ended January 31, 2026

Program accomplishments

  • Microschool Education Program: Headwaters operates a multi-age microschool serving approximately 15 elementary and middle school students. The program provides interdisciplinary, project-based instruction aligned with academic standards, integrating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students engage in hands-on, experiential learning designed to build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
    Expenses $80,000 · grants $2,500
  • Environmental and Garden-Based Learning: Students participate in hands-on environmental education through the cultivation of nine garden beds. Activities include planting, harvesting, and studying plant biology and ecosystems. This program integrates science education with real-world application and supports sustainability learning.
    Expenses $10,000
  • Community Food Systems and Service Projects: Headwaters engages students in service-learning through food production and donation. Students have grown and donated produce to local food pantries, contributing to community food access efforts. This program builds civic responsibility and connects students to local community needs.
    Expenses $11,000

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in January, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025January 31, 2026June 15, 2026990-EZ on file
2024January 31, 2025June 16, 2025990-N on file
2023January 31, 2024June 17, 2024Check at the IRS

File the 2026 990-EZ for HEADWATERS ACADEMY

Due June 15, 2027 · e-filed with the IRS by 990.tax, an IRS-authorized e-file provider

IRS record

EIN
33-1473602
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
2024
Accounting year ends
January
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Category (NTEE)
Education (B20)
Assets (IRS master file)
$33,552
Income (IRS master file)
$134,080

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990-EZJanuary 2026$134,080$100,528$33,552XML
990-N for 2024
Officer: Sarah Elliott
January 31, 2025≤ $50,000 receipts––e-Postcard

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 33-1473602).

Questions about HEADWATERS ACADEMY

What is the EIN of HEADWATERS ACADEMY?
The employer identification number (EIN) of HEADWATERS ACADEMY is 33-1473602.
Is HEADWATERS ACADEMY tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2024.
Are donations to HEADWATERS ACADEMY tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does HEADWATERS ACADEMY file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of HEADWATERS ACADEMY due?
The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending January 31, 2027) is due June 15, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did HEADWATERS ACADEMY last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990-EZ for the year ended January 2026.
Who is the principal officer of HEADWATERS ACADEMY?
The 990-N for 2024 names Sarah Elliott.
Who are the officers and directors of HEADWATERS ACADEMY?
The 990-EZ for the year ended January 31, 2026 lists 2 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $30,000 (Kendra Holton, Head of School).
How much revenue does HEADWATERS ACADEMY have?
On its 990-EZ for the year ended January 31, 2026 it reported revenue of $134,080, expenses of $100,528 and total assets of $33,552 at year end.

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